NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan government has announced plans to expedite dual citizenship applications for members of the diaspora who had to renounce their Kenyan nationality before the 2010 Constitution.
Principal Secretary for Immigration Julius Bitok said the move aims to strengthen ties with Kenyans abroad while encouraging investments and contributions to national development.
“By fast-tracking dual citizenship applications, we are enabling Kenyans abroad to reclaim their identity and contribute to the economic development of our nation,” Bitok stated.
Before the adoption of the 2010 Constitution, which allows dual citizenship under Section 16, many Kenyans who migrated and acquired foreign nationalities had to relinquish their Kenyan citizenship as a legal requirement. The new initiative seeks to address this historical challenge.
The announcement came as the PS flagged off the International Migrants Day walk at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), organized by the National Coordination Mechanism on Migration and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The event celebrated the contributions of migrants and cross-border movements to both host and origin nations.
Bitok emphasized that the government is committed to facilitating Kenyans seeking job opportunities abroad while attracting investments and expertise back home.
He also highlighted the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, aimed at simplifying travel and enhancing tourism and business opportunities.
“We are keen on attracting high-net-worth visitors and investors to Kenya,” he said.
Kenya’s diaspora community, estimated at around three million, has long been recognized as a significant economic pillar through remittances and investments.
However, many who lost their citizenship before 2010 remain ineligible for dual status unless they formally reapply.
Eligible applicants can now submit their requests for citizenship reinstatement online through the government’s eCitizen portal or the Directorate of Immigration website.
Dual citizenship allows individuals to maintain connections with their country of origin while pursuing opportunities abroad.
Principal Secretary for Immigration Julius Bitok said the move aims to strengthen ties with Kenyans abroad while encouraging investments and contributions to national development.
“By fast-tracking dual citizenship applications, we are enabling Kenyans abroad to reclaim their identity and contribute to the economic development of our nation,” Bitok stated.
Before the adoption of the 2010 Constitution, which allows dual citizenship under Section 16, many Kenyans who migrated and acquired foreign nationalities had to relinquish their Kenyan citizenship as a legal requirement. The new initiative seeks to address this historical challenge.
The announcement came as the PS flagged off the International Migrants Day walk at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), organized by the National Coordination Mechanism on Migration and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The event celebrated the contributions of migrants and cross-border movements to both host and origin nations.
Bitok emphasized that the government is committed to facilitating Kenyans seeking job opportunities abroad while attracting investments and expertise back home.
He also highlighted the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, aimed at simplifying travel and enhancing tourism and business opportunities.
“We are keen on attracting high-net-worth visitors and investors to Kenya,” he said.
Kenya’s diaspora community, estimated at around three million, has long been recognized as a significant economic pillar through remittances and investments.
However, many who lost their citizenship before 2010 remain ineligible for dual status unless they formally reapply.
Eligible applicants can now submit their requests for citizenship reinstatement online through the government’s eCitizen portal or the Directorate of Immigration website.
Dual citizenship allows individuals to maintain connections with their country of origin while pursuing opportunities abroad.
